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Magical Meet Cute
Is he the real deal…or did she truly summon a golem?
Faye Kaplan used to be engaged. She also used to have a successful legal practice. But she much prefers her new life as a potter in Woodstock, New York. The only thing missing is the perfect guy.
Not that she needs one. She’s definitely happy alone.
That is, until she finds her town papered with anti-Semitic flyers after yet another failed singles event at the synagogue. Desperate for comfort, Faye drunkenly turns to the only thing guaranteed to soothe her—pottery. A golem protector is just what her town needs…and adding all the little details to make him her ideal man can’t hurt, right?
When a seriously hot stranger mysteriously turns up the next day, Greg seems too good to be true—if you ignore the fact that Faye hit him with her bike. And that he subsequently lost his memory…
But otherwise, the man checks Every. Single. Box. Causing Faye to wonder if Greg’s sudden and spicy appearance might be anything but a coincidence.
Faye Kaplan used to be engaged. She also used to have a successful legal practice. But she much prefers her new life as a potter in Woodstock, New York. The only thing missing is the perfect guy.
Not that she needs one. She’s definitely happy alone.
That is, until she finds her town papered with anti-Semitic flyers after yet another failed singles event at the synagogue. Desperate for comfort, Faye drunkenly turns to the only thing guaranteed to soothe her—pottery. A golem protector is just what her town needs…and adding all the little details to make him her ideal man can’t hurt, right?
When a seriously hot stranger mysteriously turns up the next day, Greg seems too good to be true—if you ignore the fact that Faye hit him with her bike. And that he subsequently lost his memory…
But otherwise, the man checks Every. Single. Box. Causing Faye to wonder if Greg’s sudden and spicy appearance might be anything but a coincidence.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 27, 2024
254 people are currently reading
15654 people want to read
About the author
Jean Meltzer
6 books1,414 followersDubbed “The Queen of Jewish Romance,” Jean Meltzer is the international bestselling author of The Matzah Ball, Mr. Perfect on Paper, Kissing Kosher, and Magical Meet Cute, and the recipient of several writing honors including Amazon Best Romance, Apple Best Book of October, Apple Best Audiobook of the Year, Booklist Top Ten Romances for 2023, a Kirkus Star, a Booklist Star, and LibraryReads.
Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, coming 2026. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.
In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
Connect with her online at:
www.jewish-joy.com
www.jeanmeltzer.com
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
Jean’s commitment to uplifting Jewish stories and voices has made her a leading figure in Jewish literary advocacy. She is the Founder & CEO of Jewish Joy LLC, the umbrella organization to Jewish Women Talk About Romance Books, The Jewish Joy Book Club, The Jewish Joy Box, and Jewish Joy Con, coming 2026. In addition, she has served as a judge for the National Jewish Book Awards, and is a founding member of The Artists Against Antisemitism.
A sought-after speaker and panelist, Jean regularly speaks on topics such as authentic representation, Jewish joy, and writing through adversity. Her work is informed by personal experience—most notably her decades-long journey with chronic illness and her background in Jewish learning and media. Prior to becoming an author, she studied dramatic writing at NYU Tisch and built a successful career in television, earning multiple accolades including a National Daytime Emmy Award.
In 2006, Jean left the entertainment industry and moved to Israel to study in rabbinical school, seeking a deeper connection to her faith and identity. Though her studies were eventually cut short due to her health, the experience profoundly shaped her voice and purpose as a writer. When her father encouraged her to write a book—“just not a Jewish one, because no one reads those”—she defied that advice, and, in doing so, helped transform the landscape of Jewish commercial fiction.
Jean is represented by Carolyn Forde and Marilyn Biderman at Transatlantic Agency (literary), Addison Duffy and Jasmine Lake at United Talent Agency (film), and Rob Firing at Transatlantic Agency (speakers).
Connect with her online at:
www.jewish-joy.com
www.jeanmeltzer.com
IG: JeanMeltzer
FB: JeanMeltzerAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 649 reviews
March 25, 2024
Another sweet and engaging read with magical elements from Jean Meltzer, blending Jewish folklore with self-explanatory inspirational elements.
I wish there were more magical elements throughout the story, but I still appreciate the author's approach in taking readers on a historical journey through Semitic history and addressing the attacks against it, intertwined with the characters' traumatic yet self-healing experiences.
The story centers around Faye Kaplan, once a successful lawyer in New York, happily engaged, but now the owner of a pottery shop in Woodstock, leading a different and peaceful life after breaking off an engagement with the wrong guy at the last minute. The only thing disrupting her fresh lifestyle is the antisemitic attacks in her new small town, manifested through hateful flyers scattered around random places.
One night, after drinking too much wine, Faye creates a list for her dream guy and molds all those attributes into a clay man she names Greg, formed by her own hands. The very next day, still reeling from her drinking stupor, she accidentally collides with a man while riding her bicycle, only to discover that this gorgeous redheaded man is also named Greg and has no memory of his past. Could she have given life to a gnome and literally manifested her dream man into reality?
Greg possesses all the qualities Faye desires in a man. Could she finally find love in a magical way she never imagined before?
I enjoyed the creative plotline and well-developed, realistic characterization. My only issue lies in some plot holes and the lack of chemistry between characters. However, despite this, the book provided insightful information about Judaism, and I easily connected with Faye's journey of self-growth and exploration of new life opportunities. Therefore, I'm rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4, finding the right guy in the most unexpected circumstances.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira for providing me with a digital review copy of this heartwarming romance in exchange for my honest opinions.
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I wish there were more magical elements throughout the story, but I still appreciate the author's approach in taking readers on a historical journey through Semitic history and addressing the attacks against it, intertwined with the characters' traumatic yet self-healing experiences.
The story centers around Faye Kaplan, once a successful lawyer in New York, happily engaged, but now the owner of a pottery shop in Woodstock, leading a different and peaceful life after breaking off an engagement with the wrong guy at the last minute. The only thing disrupting her fresh lifestyle is the antisemitic attacks in her new small town, manifested through hateful flyers scattered around random places.
One night, after drinking too much wine, Faye creates a list for her dream guy and molds all those attributes into a clay man she names Greg, formed by her own hands. The very next day, still reeling from her drinking stupor, she accidentally collides with a man while riding her bicycle, only to discover that this gorgeous redheaded man is also named Greg and has no memory of his past. Could she have given life to a gnome and literally manifested her dream man into reality?
Greg possesses all the qualities Faye desires in a man. Could she finally find love in a magical way she never imagined before?
I enjoyed the creative plotline and well-developed, realistic characterization. My only issue lies in some plot holes and the lack of chemistry between characters. However, despite this, the book provided insightful information about Judaism, and I easily connected with Faye's journey of self-growth and exploration of new life opportunities. Therefore, I'm rounding up my rating from 3.5 stars to 4, finding the right guy in the most unexpected circumstances.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Mira for providing me with a digital review copy of this heartwarming romance in exchange for my honest opinions.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
September 11, 2024
As with all of Jean Meltzer’s books, Magical Meet Cute is firmly grounded in Jewish culture, and it’s another winner. This is billed as a contemporary romance with a bit of magic - and that’s all true, but I’d describe it more as romantic suspense, because the story involves some rather heavy subjects as well as some danger for the main female character.
Faye has been hurt by the people in her life: mother, father, ex-fiance - and not just emotionally. Because of her history, she doesn’t trust herself to have a relationship or to believe that she’s worthy of love. Her career as a ceramicist got detoured as a teenager due to an injury to her hand, but after leaving her NYC law practice, she now has her own shop in Woodstock, New York, called Magic Mud Pottery. She refers to herself as a “Jewitch”, a new term to me, someone who has delved into the female spiritual heritage of Judaism, and who practices some healing rituals, among other things. I found this whole aspect quite fascinating and appreciated all the research that Meltzer had obviously done.
One day the town is (literally) papered with antisemitic flyers, including photos and addresses for a number of Jewish people in the area, including Faye and her shop (which she lives above, so it’s also her home). She’s so upset that she can’t sleep, winds up drinking a lot and ends up crafting a clay figure, which she envisions as a “golem”, a clay creature that, according to legend, gets brought to life to defend the Jewish community. The next day the titular meet cute happens, although I’m not sure it’s a meet cute if you run down someone with your bicycle! At any rate, this is a big turning point in the story and you’ll have to read it to see what happens!
I loved the characters in this story: Greg, who may or may not be a golem; Miranda and her wife, Shulamit, the local synagogue’s cantor; and especially her 80-year-old neighbor Nelly. One of my favorite themes is here: chosen family or found family.
Faye has been hurt by the people in her life: mother, father, ex-fiance - and not just emotionally. Because of her history, she doesn’t trust herself to have a relationship or to believe that she’s worthy of love. Her career as a ceramicist got detoured as a teenager due to an injury to her hand, but after leaving her NYC law practice, she now has her own shop in Woodstock, New York, called Magic Mud Pottery. She refers to herself as a “Jewitch”, a new term to me, someone who has delved into the female spiritual heritage of Judaism, and who practices some healing rituals, among other things. I found this whole aspect quite fascinating and appreciated all the research that Meltzer had obviously done.
One day the town is (literally) papered with antisemitic flyers, including photos and addresses for a number of Jewish people in the area, including Faye and her shop (which she lives above, so it’s also her home). She’s so upset that she can’t sleep, winds up drinking a lot and ends up crafting a clay figure, which she envisions as a “golem”, a clay creature that, according to legend, gets brought to life to defend the Jewish community. The next day the titular meet cute happens, although I’m not sure it’s a meet cute if you run down someone with your bicycle! At any rate, this is a big turning point in the story and you’ll have to read it to see what happens!
I loved the characters in this story: Greg, who may or may not be a golem; Miranda and her wife, Shulamit, the local synagogue’s cantor; and especially her 80-year-old neighbor Nelly. One of my favorite themes is here: chosen family or found family.
August 29, 2024
Magical Meet Cute is a Jewish contemporary romance with some magical realism elements.
I love how much Jewish rep the author’s books contain. As a Jewish reader her books make me so happy. I went into this book blind. And honestly I was completely unprepared for the fact that this was not just some cute fun rom-com. The book deals with important and timely issues. And I could not be prouder that the author tackled these subjects.
Faye Kaplan owns Magic Mud Pottery in Woodstock, New York. Faye has a disability. When she was a teenager her mother hurt her hand. This abuse is now such a big part of who she is.
Faye is a Jewitch (which I had never heard of before). She is a ceramicist who created a clay creature (a golem). The next day she hits a man with her bike. Is he a golem (the clay creature come to life) or a real man with amnesia?
I do love magical realism. However I was definitely hoping that this part of the story would go a certain way. Greg is a huge man with the kindest gentlest soul. I just loved seeing him absorb information.
I absolutely loved her best friend Miranda and Miranda’s wife Cantor Shulamit. And Faye’s octogenarian store neighbor Nelly was such a fun spitfire.
This book was heavier than I expected. A big focus of the story has to do with anti-semitism. And there is a mystery surrounding who is involved with the anti-semetic violence.
Overall this book blew me away. The Jewish rep was amazing. The disability rep was amazing. The serious issues were handled in such a beautiful way. And the whole golem vs real man fiasco gave some much needed levity to the book. This book is a wonderful read!
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
I love how much Jewish rep the author’s books contain. As a Jewish reader her books make me so happy. I went into this book blind. And honestly I was completely unprepared for the fact that this was not just some cute fun rom-com. The book deals with important and timely issues. And I could not be prouder that the author tackled these subjects.
Faye Kaplan owns Magic Mud Pottery in Woodstock, New York. Faye has a disability. When she was a teenager her mother hurt her hand. This abuse is now such a big part of who she is.
Faye is a Jewitch (which I had never heard of before). She is a ceramicist who created a clay creature (a golem). The next day she hits a man with her bike. Is he a golem (the clay creature come to life) or a real man with amnesia?
I do love magical realism. However I was definitely hoping that this part of the story would go a certain way. Greg is a huge man with the kindest gentlest soul. I just loved seeing him absorb information.
I absolutely loved her best friend Miranda and Miranda’s wife Cantor Shulamit. And Faye’s octogenarian store neighbor Nelly was such a fun spitfire.
This book was heavier than I expected. A big focus of the story has to do with anti-semitism. And there is a mystery surrounding who is involved with the anti-semetic violence.
Overall this book blew me away. The Jewish rep was amazing. The disability rep was amazing. The serious issues were handled in such a beautiful way. And the whole golem vs real man fiasco gave some much needed levity to the book. This book is a wonderful read!
Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins Canada for allowing me to read this book.
October 23, 2024
Was this book sponsored by kosher hard salami?
May 9, 2024
Faye, a former lawyer, has relocated to Woodstock, NY and opened a pottery studio. Dumped by her fiancé and fed up with men, she gets drunk and takes her clay to create a golem, a legendary Jewish creature, imbuing it with every ideal male trait she can think of. The next day, she runs into a man on her bike, who has a head injury and memory loss. Could Greg be the living embodiment of the golem she imagined? When the town is blanketed with antisemitic flyers, she wonders if Greg is one of the Paper Boys, the creeps that are behind the flyer distribution. The title is somewhat misleading, since this serious tone isn't really cute. I like Meltzer's writing--though this wasn't my favorite of her books it had enough going for it to keep my interest, and I did like the message that you don't have to be perfect to be loved. Three and a half stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Read
September 29, 2024DNF @ 15% - this book clearly isn't for me. it initially caught my attention because of the magical realism. then when i realized they're'd be an ownvoices focus on Judiasm and the jewish experience, I was excited because I don't have much knowledge in that area.
unfortunately, it felt a bit heavy handed. anti-semitism is a very real, dangerous, and scary thing that i can never understand because i am not jewish. that being said, i felt that that and other topics were tossed in too early in a very clunky way.
it was the same for the issues about the american healthcare system which, trust me, i understand. but the author kept just throwing in the phrase "the american healthcare system" + [insert negative adjective] without really diving into the issue (at least in the parts i read). it lacked subtly and was rather painful to read.
additionally, rather than feeling like i was getting to opportunity learn about a people and their culture, i felt as though i was on the outside of a club being told i wasn't welcome. don't get me wrong - i am not in any way saying i am entitled to anything from any people group... but when an author wants to break down issues such as these and educate readers (which it felt like this author did), it should be done in a way that makes the reader feel welcomed in. i just felt a sense of exclusion and exclusivity.
my final straw was the absolute lack of realism. and no, i'm not referring to the magic. i can suspend my disbelief for that. what i can't let go is the fact that a hospital just took at her word and released a potentially brain-damaged amnesiac hours after a potential TBI? Like what?
overall, this book had a lot of potential and honestly felt like a first draft that could have easily been a five star read had it been cleaned up a bit
unfortunately, it felt a bit heavy handed. anti-semitism is a very real, dangerous, and scary thing that i can never understand because i am not jewish. that being said, i felt that that and other topics were tossed in too early in a very clunky way.
it was the same for the issues about the american healthcare system which, trust me, i understand. but the author kept just throwing in the phrase "the american healthcare system" + [insert negative adjective] without really diving into the issue (at least in the parts i read). it lacked subtly and was rather painful to read.
additionally, rather than feeling like i was getting to opportunity learn about a people and their culture, i felt as though i was on the outside of a club being told i wasn't welcome. don't get me wrong - i am not in any way saying i am entitled to anything from any people group... but when an author wants to break down issues such as these and educate readers (which it felt like this author did), it should be done in a way that makes the reader feel welcomed in. i just felt a sense of exclusion and exclusivity.
my final straw was the absolute lack of realism. and no, i'm not referring to the magic. i can suspend my disbelief for that. what i can't let go is the fact that a hospital just took at her word and released a potentially brain-damaged amnesiac hours after a potential TBI? Like what?
overall, this book had a lot of potential and honestly felt like a first draft that could have easily been a five star read had it been cleaned up a bit
November 1, 2024
“I can’t imagine how there was ever a me without her.”
Don’t you just love a title of a book that perfectly defines itself? A Meet-Cute. And magical on top of it!! Yes, it is. But not exactly in the way we as readers would expect it. Because, Faye our main, is a mess. Her 10-year relationship, with only 3 months before the wedding, was broken off by her fiancé, Stuart. And, she has a past that reeks with a lot of broken-ness.
So, what is she to do?
Well, readers meet her at her place where she lives and works as a ceramicist. She also has a dog she rescued named Hillel who is quite messy, too. She lives in a contemporary Jewish neighborhood that has now been attacked by racist anti-Semitic flyers and other acts of violence.
So, what could possibly go wrong now?
Instead of heading off to the community meeting to discuss the flyers and determine a community action plan to find who is behind these vicious attacks, she gets herself drunk on the wedding wine and makes herself a pottery Golem.
A Golem you ask? According to the Rabbi, a Golem is an undeveloped substance of the earth, created entirely from inanimate matter, usually clay or mud. And, that is exactly what she creates and buries in her garden while drunk. I know I repeated myself, but this is an important point.
“The Art of Imperfection: What a Jewitch Learned about Craft from a Golem”
The next day, still recovering from her drunken rampage in the garden, Faye rushes off on her bicycle to her friend’s place. But because she is not paying attention, Faye hits Greg with her bicycle and he ends up in the hospital with amnesia.
What is Faye to do now? Could Greg be her Golem?
Well, she kind of adopts him, and lets him stay with her in hopes he can regain his memory. And of course, readers wonder, will this ‘magical meet-cute’ bring these two together? And, who is Greg really? Will he ever recover his memory, and if he does, what will Faye and readers discover about him?
Also, will Faye ever have her happily-ever-after-ending? And, what about Greg – will he?
“You don’t see that something doesn’t need to be perfect to be loveable.”
And, what about the Paper Boys who are spreading all this hate? Who is behind this hate cell? Will this mystery be solved?
You didn’t think I was going to answer all these questions, did you?
This is a delightful page-turner, with a little mystery and romance that will keep readers captivated along with a recipe for magic cakes that appears absolutely delicious.
Don’t you just love a title of a book that perfectly defines itself? A Meet-Cute. And magical on top of it!! Yes, it is. But not exactly in the way we as readers would expect it. Because, Faye our main, is a mess. Her 10-year relationship, with only 3 months before the wedding, was broken off by her fiancé, Stuart. And, she has a past that reeks with a lot of broken-ness.
So, what is she to do?
Well, readers meet her at her place where she lives and works as a ceramicist. She also has a dog she rescued named Hillel who is quite messy, too. She lives in a contemporary Jewish neighborhood that has now been attacked by racist anti-Semitic flyers and other acts of violence.
So, what could possibly go wrong now?
Instead of heading off to the community meeting to discuss the flyers and determine a community action plan to find who is behind these vicious attacks, she gets herself drunk on the wedding wine and makes herself a pottery Golem.
A Golem you ask? According to the Rabbi, a Golem is an undeveloped substance of the earth, created entirely from inanimate matter, usually clay or mud. And, that is exactly what she creates and buries in her garden while drunk. I know I repeated myself, but this is an important point.
“The Art of Imperfection: What a Jewitch Learned about Craft from a Golem”
The next day, still recovering from her drunken rampage in the garden, Faye rushes off on her bicycle to her friend’s place. But because she is not paying attention, Faye hits Greg with her bicycle and he ends up in the hospital with amnesia.
What is Faye to do now? Could Greg be her Golem?
Well, she kind of adopts him, and lets him stay with her in hopes he can regain his memory. And of course, readers wonder, will this ‘magical meet-cute’ bring these two together? And, who is Greg really? Will he ever recover his memory, and if he does, what will Faye and readers discover about him?
Also, will Faye ever have her happily-ever-after-ending? And, what about Greg – will he?
“You don’t see that something doesn’t need to be perfect to be loveable.”
And, what about the Paper Boys who are spreading all this hate? Who is behind this hate cell? Will this mystery be solved?
You didn’t think I was going to answer all these questions, did you?
This is a delightful page-turner, with a little mystery and romance that will keep readers captivated along with a recipe for magic cakes that appears absolutely delicious.
August 30, 2024
I found Magical Meet Cute to be an endearing read with great characters and a fun plot. I’ll admit, I did go into it expecting it to be more of a “magical realism” book and was a tad disappointed that there really wasn’t any magic, but the plot was so charming that I was able to look past it. The author sprinkles more serious moments throughout cutesy scenes and writes about topics that everyone can learn from which is something I appreciate in a book so kudos to her for doing that. And the characters? Absolutely adorable. I also love a cinnamon roll MMC so Greg immediately stole my heart! Cute book. I need to read more from the author’s backlist.
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.5)
August 27, 2024
Magical Meet Cute is a unique and charming romance that is the perfect blend of reality with an engaging and sweet romance.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
It’s a JEWISH rom-com!! Now don’t get me wrong - One of my favorite genres is historical fiction and specifically from the WWII time period, but I would love for the world to know more about my people, faith, customs, and weird habit of over feeding everyone in modern times. Meltzer captured this so well within this story. Talk about a breath of fresh air!
Actually I have to share something that Meltzer wrote to me a couple of years ago:
“I wanted my nieces and nephews to grow in a world where Jewish men and women had stories beyond the lens of victimhood. Where we were sexy, and fun, fell in love…you know, lived like normal people.”
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Forced Proximity
Amnesia
Slow Burn
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Jewish/Jewitch Rep
Small Town
Diverse Characters
Chronic Pain Rep
Found Family
🔥Steam level: PG
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Slow burn
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are looking for a fun rom-com that captures Jewish life, a small community, real life social issues, strong friendships, the sweetest romance, and a quirky dog then pick this delightful ready up! Oh, and you can pick up some fun new Yiddish and Hebrew terms to use too!
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
It’s a JEWISH rom-com!! Now don’t get me wrong - One of my favorite genres is historical fiction and specifically from the WWII time period, but I would love for the world to know more about my people, faith, customs, and weird habit of over feeding everyone in modern times. Meltzer captured this so well within this story. Talk about a breath of fresh air!
Actually I have to share something that Meltzer wrote to me a couple of years ago:
“I wanted my nieces and nephews to grow in a world where Jewish men and women had stories beyond the lens of victimhood. Where we were sexy, and fun, fell in love…you know, lived like normal people.”
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
Forced Proximity
Amnesia
Slow Burn
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Jewish/Jewitch Rep
Small Town
Diverse Characters
Chronic Pain Rep
Found Family
🔥Steam level: PG
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?
Slow burn
𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?
If you are looking for a fun rom-com that captures Jewish life, a small community, real life social issues, strong friendships, the sweetest romance, and a quirky dog then pick this delightful ready up! Oh, and you can pick up some fun new Yiddish and Hebrew terms to use too!
May 3, 2024
Jean Meltzer has another novel that you are going to adore: Magical Meet Cute! There is a lot of focus on Judaism, mysticism, antisemitism and, of course, romance. Plus, there's a unique little dog who will definitely melt your heart.
The story is highly relevant to everything happening lately and I only wish it had been published last summer instead for that very reason. We really need an army of golems right about now! There was a nice balance of humor and seriousness throughout the novel. I was able to guess at some parts of the story, but was suprised by most of what happened and a lot of things kept me on my toes. I was definitely anxious on Faye's behalf. All the characters were great, except for the villainous ones, and I especially loved Nelly.
My only concern was that there were some timing issues. I hope they will be sorted out for the final publication.
Overall, it was really interesting and engaging throughout and I even learned a few new things! Magical Meet Cute will be available in late August, but be sure to read Jean's other books in the meantime.
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
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TW: Child abuse (Faye talks about her experience from the past), hateful descriptions of Jewish people, mild violence due to antisemitism
The story is highly relevant to everything happening lately and I only wish it had been published last summer instead for that very reason. We really need an army of golems right about now! There was a nice balance of humor and seriousness throughout the novel. I was able to guess at some parts of the story, but was suprised by most of what happened and a lot of things kept me on my toes. I was definitely anxious on Faye's behalf. All the characters were great, except for the villainous ones, and I especially loved Nelly.
My only concern was that there were some timing issues. I hope they will be sorted out for the final publication.
Overall, it was really interesting and engaging throughout and I even learned a few new things! Magical Meet Cute will be available in late August, but be sure to read Jean's other books in the meantime.
(Trigger warnings below.)
Movie casting suggestions:
Faye: Milana Vayntrub
Greg: Robert Kazinsky
Nelly: Elaine May
Miranda: Abbi Jacobson
Shulamit: Hari Nef
Eric: Hunter Parrish
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TW: Child abuse (Faye talks about her experience from the past), hateful descriptions of Jewish people, mild violence due to antisemitism
Read
January 12, 2025DNF; while I love the way she's promoting Jewish romance in the book community, Jean Meltzer's books just don't work for me.
February 15, 2024
I’ve been wanting to read a Jean Meltzer book for a while now, so when given the opportunity to review this one, I jumped at it.
Magical Meet Cute was a love letter to our inner selves and the inter generational trauma that the Jewish people endure everyday. For a cute, quirky rom-com, this book was beautifully insightful and took on the difficult topic of modern antisemitism.
The entire golem idea was preposterously hilarious in the best way. At times I laughed at Faye’s eccentrics, but other times, I found myself fascinated with her take on Judaism and her ability to practice Judaism in a way that was unapologetically herself.
This book took on many harsh topics, including familial abuse, but the goofy, hilariously Jewish moments brought a great counterbalance, creating a story that was easy to read and left you contemplating your own identity.
While this was my first book by Meltzer, it certainly won’t be my last. This book made me want to explore my own Jewish identity even more, and I am truly thankful to Meltzer for that.
Magical Meet Cute was a love letter to our inner selves and the inter generational trauma that the Jewish people endure everyday. For a cute, quirky rom-com, this book was beautifully insightful and took on the difficult topic of modern antisemitism.
The entire golem idea was preposterously hilarious in the best way. At times I laughed at Faye’s eccentrics, but other times, I found myself fascinated with her take on Judaism and her ability to practice Judaism in a way that was unapologetically herself.
This book took on many harsh topics, including familial abuse, but the goofy, hilariously Jewish moments brought a great counterbalance, creating a story that was easy to read and left you contemplating your own identity.
While this was my first book by Meltzer, it certainly won’t be my last. This book made me want to explore my own Jewish identity even more, and I am truly thankful to Meltzer for that.
August 15, 2024
Jean has quickly become an auto-buy author for me in the genre of Jewish romance. This book was written a bit differently than her 3 prior books and I’d argue this one borders on Women’s Fiction as well. There are parts of the book where I felt the romance plot was more secondary but still a well developed love story if that makes sense.
That said the story was well written and fast paced. I was hooked quickly and the book was also quite suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I don’t want to spoil anything but there were parts I guessed at and other parts that surprised me.
Jean has managed to write a love story that’s set against the backdrop of a very serious and timely topic: antisemitism. Again, this definitely has a more serious tone than her prior romance books but I also found it to be fun and also educational. One of my favorites of the Summer so far!
Thank you MIRA and NetGalley for the ARC!
That said the story was well written and fast paced. I was hooked quickly and the book was also quite suspenseful and full of twists and turns. I don’t want to spoil anything but there were parts I guessed at and other parts that surprised me.
Jean has managed to write a love story that’s set against the backdrop of a very serious and timely topic: antisemitism. Again, this definitely has a more serious tone than her prior romance books but I also found it to be fun and also educational. One of my favorites of the Summer so far!
Thank you MIRA and NetGalley for the ARC!
September 5, 2024
Jean Meltzer’s RomComs keep improving.
This story is funny, cute and original.
It does embrace Jewish holidays and issues,
while dealing with antisemitism.
I recommend this book!
This story is funny, cute and original.
It does embrace Jewish holidays and issues,
while dealing with antisemitism.
I recommend this book!
May 3, 2024
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
Standalone Romantic Comedy
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy for review purposes. Ana’s Attic accepts no compensation for reviews, and all reviews contain my honest opinion. This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.
Magical Meet Cute , releasing August 27th, is my fourth Jean Meltzer book. She usually writes relatable, flawed Jewish characters with some type of chronic illness. I don’t actively practice the Jewish religion, but I grew up Jewish and still celebrate the holidays, so I usually enjoy learning about my religion through Jean’s books. But Faye wasn’t really Jewish, she was Jewitch, something I’ve never heard of before.
Faye, like me, hadn’t set foot in a synagogue since she was a kid, but after the fiancé she was with for 10 years dumped her, she wanted to find herself, and found a book about being Jewitch, which seems to be nothing like the Jewish religion at all and a lot more like being a witch. She completely changed her life; becoming Jewitch, quitting her law firm in Manhattan and opening a pottery studio/store in Woodstock, NY.
When her quiet town of Woodstock was targeted for anti-semitic acts, Faye got out her feelings by getting very drunk and making a Golem. According to Google, a Golem is “a creature formed out of a lifeless substance such as dust or earth that is brought to life by ritual incantations and sequences of Hebrew letters. The golem, brought into being by a human creator, becomes a helper, a companion, or a rescuer of an imperiled Jewish community.” As a potter, she drunkenly made a figure of a man with clay and carved all of the attributes her perfect man would have on the clay doll. Then she freaked and buried it in her garden.
“I’m tired of apologizing for surviving.”
The next day she hit a guy with her bike, knocking him down and causing him to lose his memory. Since he had nobody and nowhere to go after the hospital, Faye took “Greg” in since she caused the problem. As time went on, she became more and more convinced that Greg was her Golem come to life. He was just too perfect, matching all the attributes of her carvings down to the long red hair she glued to the thing.
Then the book just kind of stalled out for me. Faye started seeming a little ridiculous and stupid, and their relationship never seemed to progress.
There were some great messages in Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer, but it didn’t live up to her other books for me. With them, I also learned about Judaism. Here I couldn’t distinguish what is Jewish and what is Witch. Though Faye was obviously smart as a former lawyer, she came off ditsy and frankly, a little stupid at times. And though I felt a little pull between the couple, we never really got to see them together, only them fighting their feelings. I never felt the real connection, but I did enjoy Greg's attachment to the townspeople.
My favorite part about the book was this message found throughout the book:
“This is the art of imperfection. The ability to look at your life and see the beauty in the blemishes. To make a mistake, sometimes many mistakes, but see your worth anyway.”
Likes:
•Showing how anti-Semitism affects everyday people. Very relevant right now.
•It was a fun and VERY unique story.
•I loved Nelly so much!
•I liked the Paper Boys mystery: Who is dropping all the anti-semitic flyers everywhere?
•I loved the friendships.
•Despite being a silly comedy, there was a lot of depth. Past trauma, abuse, and identity were worked into the story skillfully.
•Easter (or Passover) eggs from her other books.
Dislikes:
•I never felt the couple really get together and fall in love. The potential was there, but I never saw it blossom. Completely closed-door didn’t help.
•I hated the dog from the first page and I usually love pets in books.
•For someone who had very little Jewish background, Faye sure spoke a lot of Yiddish and knew a lot about the religion.
•Hard Kosher Salami was discussed and eaten 42 times in this book. Apparently that’s all she eats, and the only thing she needs from a man is someone who can cut the salami easily. (I did go buy some Salami while reading).
•I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if she was normal Jewish and maybe just tried a protection spell for the first time after being targeted by Anti-Semites. With all of the disinformation about Jews going on right now, I feel like this doesn’t help at all.
•Besides the police chief, where were all of the non-Jews in this town?
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The Down and Dirty:
From the title, I expected something different. I enjoy magical realism in books and I was hoping to find that here, but that wasn’t really the case. I have also come to expect to learn more about Judaism from Jean Meltzer’s books. That wasn’t really the case here either, since the FMC is JeWITCH. I appreciated the relevance of the anti-semitic events, and the message of learning to love yourself despite your imperfections, but Magical Meet Cute kind of missed the mark for me. I didn’t dislike the story. It was entertaining, but I can’t say I’d recommend it.
Rating: 3 Stars
Preorder Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer
Releasing August 27, 2024
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See my reviews for the other Jean Meltzer books:
The Matzah Ball
Mr. Perfect on Paper
Kissing Kosher
See my full list of Jewish Contemporary Romance Novels here
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September 2, 2024
This is my third Jean Meltzer read and, yep, should have listened to my instincts after each of the previous first two and skipped this one.
I’ll keep this short to prevent myself from ranting but I found the FMC, Faye unbearable (her behavior somehow both unhinged and predictable), the treatment of antisemitism to be unhelpfully heavy-handed (and the reveal of the perpetrator to be entirely unsurprising), and the writing style… not to my taste. I didn’t mind the MMC, Greg, who is unfailingly kind and supportive, even in the face of behavior that, frankly, should have sent him running. Faye’s friend (frenemy?), Nelly – an irrepressible, naughty septuagenarian anti-antisemite crusader with a penchant for sneakily sweet gestures – was one of the few characters I enjoyed.
I so badly want there to be good Jewish romances out there but so far they seem to be afflicted with the same chet as the attempts to do a Hallmark Hanukkah movie: they just kinda suck.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade/MIRA for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I’ll keep this short to prevent myself from ranting but I found the FMC, Faye unbearable (her behavior somehow both unhinged and predictable), the treatment of antisemitism to be unhelpfully heavy-handed (and the reveal of the perpetrator to be entirely unsurprising), and the writing style… not to my taste. I didn’t mind the MMC, Greg, who is unfailingly kind and supportive, even in the face of behavior that, frankly, should have sent him running. Faye’s friend (frenemy?), Nelly – an irrepressible, naughty septuagenarian anti-antisemite crusader with a penchant for sneakily sweet gestures – was one of the few characters I enjoyed.
I so badly want there to be good Jewish romances out there but so far they seem to be afflicted with the same chet as the attempts to do a Hallmark Hanukkah movie: they just kinda suck.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade/MIRA for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2024
The plot was cute. But I was expecting "hard kosher salami" to be the last words of the novel by the end of it. We get it, she specifically likes one food and one food only. It seems to be the only thing she ever eats, which would wreak havoc on her digestive system, yet she never suffers any intestinal consequences. She enjoys "hard kosher salami" so much that those three words appear twice within the same paragraph. That's two times. If I never have to see the words "hard kosher salami" again, it'll be too soon.
"Clay memory" is also oft-repeated, but nowhere near as much. I spent most of the novel dreading the reappearance of the sausage instead of enjoying the romance between the couple.
"Clay memory" is also oft-repeated, but nowhere near as much. I spent most of the novel dreading the reappearance of the sausage instead of enjoying the romance between the couple.
May 19, 2025
Well, if you want a book that starts out like the movie HOT FROSTY (2024) but then turns into the movie IMPERIUM (2016), have I got the "romance" novel for you. If, however, that sounds like two wildly mismatched tones to you, then read on.
This book is definitely not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either. I won't be reading any more by this author.
This book is definitely not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else, either. I won't be reading any more by this author.
September 4, 2024
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Magical Meet Cute
Author: Jean Meltzer
Romcom
Thank you so much Netfalley for this ARC! This was the perfect, cute read to kick off the beginning of spooky season! I love magical romcoms.. this one was also super unique because the main love interest is a friggin golem 😂. Faye used to have a legal practice but now is living life as a cozy potter in New York. When her tower is targeted by an anti-Semitic movement she summons a golem on accident to protect the town. This golem turns out to be a hot guy that has memory loss and she has to take in to her home. It was super cute and I loved the fact that there was a bit of a mystery side story going on at the same time. It was the perfect balance of spooky cute romcom with plot. I will definitely be checking out her other books. This just released on 8/27/24!
A Magical Meet Cute
Author: Jean Meltzer
Romcom
Thank you so much Netfalley for this ARC! This was the perfect, cute read to kick off the beginning of spooky season! I love magical romcoms.. this one was also super unique because the main love interest is a friggin golem 😂. Faye used to have a legal practice but now is living life as a cozy potter in New York. When her tower is targeted by an anti-Semitic movement she summons a golem on accident to protect the town. This golem turns out to be a hot guy that has memory loss and she has to take in to her home. It was super cute and I loved the fact that there was a bit of a mystery side story going on at the same time. It was the perfect balance of spooky cute romcom with plot. I will definitely be checking out her other books. This just released on 8/27/24!
March 7, 2024
It took me a month to finish this book when I've been known to finish books in a day or two. I kept falling asleep while reading because I was so bored reading it. The title doesn't match the book (hitting someone with your bike is not a "magical meet cute"), the story was slightly boring, the writing was clunky, I caught quite a few editing errors, and the characters' actions were nonsensical. I still don't understand what a "Jewitch" is and what kind of magic they do; it sure didn't seem like this book contained any actual magic. I was hoping for a good story and romance, but this book contained neither for me. I wouldn't recommend this book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC to read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC to read.
December 14, 2024
I had so many problems with this book. First of all, we spend more time with a terrorist group than we do even kissing, which is insane for what is supposed to be a romance. Secondly, sometimes I read a book and feel like the author doesn’t trust me. Like they think I am too stupid to follow them, so they have to repeat phrases and define things and people every time they appear. And this book was the most I have ever felt like that. Third, I just feel SOOOO deceived that this was a magic/witchy romance.
I was a fan of the Matzah Ball, I love witchy romances, I was so excited for a story inspired by Jewish folklore. Instead it felt like a catharsis project for the author that her publisher had to attempt to package for her existing audience.
I was a fan of the Matzah Ball, I love witchy romances, I was so excited for a story inspired by Jewish folklore. Instead it felt like a catharsis project for the author that her publisher had to attempt to package for her existing audience.
August 31, 2024
First thing first.
In these times of trouble and hate, salute to this author to have such book that explains Jewish mystical folklore with a wink, Jewish life as an American Jew and opposes antisemitism.
And I loved she weaves that into a love story.
But the story itself was a little lacking for me
Magical realism can be tricky
I did not 'feel' the characters nor did I feel a true "Bashert" (twin soul, destiny) vibe between them.
So I guess for me, not her best work but still an important work
In these times of trouble and hate, salute to this author to have such book that explains Jewish mystical folklore with a wink, Jewish life as an American Jew and opposes antisemitism.
And I loved she weaves that into a love story.
But the story itself was a little lacking for me
Magical realism can be tricky
I did not 'feel' the characters nor did I feel a true "Bashert" (twin soul, destiny) vibe between them.
So I guess for me, not her best work but still an important work
August 17, 2024
4.5
I live for Jean Meltzer's books and this one was no different. My only qualm was that I felt like the first chunk of the book was a little slow to get into. I also would have loved a smidge more romance but that's just me. But other than that the Jewish representation was incredible, the characters were important, and the heavy topics were discussed gracefully and meaningfully. I thought Faye's disability was significant as well and I liked how it translated into her art. This cast of characters was funny, entertaining, and full of heart. Shout out to Nelly for being a badass and Shulamit and Miranda for their unwavering friendship. I loved how Jean touched on many relevant and important real-world events. The anti-semitism was heavy throughout this story, but I think it was important to bring it up as well—especially as a Jewish person living in America. I loved how Greg and Faye developed and grew with each other. Their friendship was really nice to witness and I liked watching it turn into something more. Overal, I'm always here for Jean's stories. Thank you to Mira books for sending me and ARC to read and review!
I live for Jean Meltzer's books and this one was no different. My only qualm was that I felt like the first chunk of the book was a little slow to get into. I also would have loved a smidge more romance but that's just me. But other than that the Jewish representation was incredible, the characters were important, and the heavy topics were discussed gracefully and meaningfully. I thought Faye's disability was significant as well and I liked how it translated into her art. This cast of characters was funny, entertaining, and full of heart. Shout out to Nelly for being a badass and Shulamit and Miranda for their unwavering friendship. I loved how Jean touched on many relevant and important real-world events. The anti-semitism was heavy throughout this story, but I think it was important to bring it up as well—especially as a Jewish person living in America. I loved how Greg and Faye developed and grew with each other. Their friendship was really nice to witness and I liked watching it turn into something more. Overal, I'm always here for Jean's stories. Thank you to Mira books for sending me and ARC to read and review!
February 15, 2024
I’ve been wanting to read a Jean Meltzer book for a while now, so when given the opportunity to review this one, I jumped at it.
Magical Meet Cute was a love letter to our inner selves and the inter generational trauma that the Jewish people endure everyday. For a cute, quirky rom-com, this book was beautifully insightful and took on the difficult topic of modern antisemitism.
The entire golem idea was preposterously hilarious in the best way. At times I laughed at Faye’s eccentrics, but other times, I found myself fascinated with her take on Judaism and her ability to practice Judaism in a way that was unapologetically herself.
This book took on many harsh topics, including familial abuse, but the goofy, hilariously Jewish moments brought a great counterbalance, creating a story that was easy to read and left you contemplating your own identity.
While this was my first book by Meltzer, it certainly won’t be my last. This book made me want to explore my own Jewish identity even more, and I am truly thankful to Meltzer for that.
Magical Meet Cute was a love letter to our inner selves and the inter generational trauma that the Jewish people endure everyday. For a cute, quirky rom-com, this book was beautifully insightful and took on the difficult topic of modern antisemitism.
The entire golem idea was preposterously hilarious in the best way. At times I laughed at Faye’s eccentrics, but other times, I found myself fascinated with her take on Judaism and her ability to practice Judaism in a way that was unapologetically herself.
This book took on many harsh topics, including familial abuse, but the goofy, hilariously Jewish moments brought a great counterbalance, creating a story that was easy to read and left you contemplating your own identity.
While this was my first book by Meltzer, it certainly won’t be my last. This book made me want to explore my own Jewish identity even more, and I am truly thankful to Meltzer for that.
March 9, 2024
I am just going to start off by saying that I’m not religiously Jewish; however, my grandpa was. He passed away when I was younger, so I don’t have a ton of memories of him and am limited in my knowledge of the Jewish religion (although I do know some things).
This book was very eye opening to me. I actually had no idea that there were anti-Semitic and people who target Jewish people to this day. I find it terrible and really don’t understand their reasoning behind it.
This story follows Faye, a Jewish pottery shop owner in Woodstock, New York, and she accidentally runs a guy over with her bike, giving him amnesia. Since he has no identification, she decides it’s a great idea if he comes and lives with her until someone comes to claim him or he gets his memory back. However, before this happens, there have been anti-Semitic flyers that were thrown all over town, specifically targeting Faye. Seems like the logical choice for her to just have this stranger come live with her right? He couldn’t be a murderer or anything…actually he isn’t, but still, that was my thought.
Anyways, I ended up really enjoying this book. I thought the Judaism was done well and there was enough information that someone who isn’t familiar with the religion would be able to understand everything. If anything, I think this book should be read by people because, as I said, it’s very eye opening to something that is apparently happening in the world. I thought the plot and mystery was captivating, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was very eye opening to me. I actually had no idea that there were anti-Semitic and people who target Jewish people to this day. I find it terrible and really don’t understand their reasoning behind it.
This story follows Faye, a Jewish pottery shop owner in Woodstock, New York, and she accidentally runs a guy over with her bike, giving him amnesia. Since he has no identification, she decides it’s a great idea if he comes and lives with her until someone comes to claim him or he gets his memory back. However, before this happens, there have been anti-Semitic flyers that were thrown all over town, specifically targeting Faye. Seems like the logical choice for her to just have this stranger come live with her right? He couldn’t be a murderer or anything…actually he isn’t, but still, that was my thought.
Anyways, I ended up really enjoying this book. I thought the Judaism was done well and there was enough information that someone who isn’t familiar with the religion would be able to understand everything. If anything, I think this book should be read by people because, as I said, it’s very eye opening to something that is apparently happening in the world. I thought the plot and mystery was captivating, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a free eARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2024
My new favorite from Jewish romance author, Jean Meltzer!! This love story is a reimagining of the Golem myth and has orphaned ceramicist and Jew Witch, Fae, crafting her very own ideal man in the form of a clay figure and magically making him manifest (or so she believes).
When she accidentally runs into a man on the street with her bicycle, Fae feels compelled to take care of him after the run in causes amnesia and he has no idea who he really is. Full of heart, disability rep (Fae has a deformed finger and chronic pain), battles against Anti-Semitism and a moving dual POV relationship between two strangers.
This was also great on audio narrated by Dara Rosenberg and perfect for fans of authors like Amanda Elliot. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
When she accidentally runs into a man on the street with her bicycle, Fae feels compelled to take care of him after the run in causes amnesia and he has no idea who he really is. Full of heart, disability rep (Fae has a deformed finger and chronic pain), battles against Anti-Semitism and a moving dual POV relationship between two strangers.
This was also great on audio narrated by Dara Rosenberg and perfect for fans of authors like Amanda Elliot. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
October 10, 2024
I picked up Magical Meet Cute at my library because the cover and blurb were cute.
Althpugh I thought it was more of a romcom based on the cover, the story touches on antisemitism, which I truly appreciated for its timeliness and relevance. However, despite the important message, I struggled to connect with the characters. They felt flat, and the romance just didn’t pull me in as I’d hoped.
One thing that stood out was the overuse of Jewish idioms throughout the book. While I understand the desire to highlight cultural authenticity, it started to feel repetitive—like the author was hitting you over the head with it. Instead of enhancing the narrative, it became a distraction for me.
Unfortunately, I made it about a third of the way through and had to DNF.
Althpugh I thought it was more of a romcom based on the cover, the story touches on antisemitism, which I truly appreciated for its timeliness and relevance. However, despite the important message, I struggled to connect with the characters. They felt flat, and the romance just didn’t pull me in as I’d hoped.
One thing that stood out was the overuse of Jewish idioms throughout the book. While I understand the desire to highlight cultural authenticity, it started to feel repetitive—like the author was hitting you over the head with it. Instead of enhancing the narrative, it became a distraction for me.
Unfortunately, I made it about a third of the way through and had to DNF.
October 16, 2024
DNF. Immediately bored.
April 12, 2024
Jean Meltzer conjures up another winner with Magical Meet Cute, blending humor, heart, and a dash of the supernatural in her latest delightful romantic comedy. Meltzer is a master at writing lovable, charmingly chaotic characters while keeping me laughing out loud with her banter and wit (seriously, just read that first line!) Faye's journey from heartbreak to hope is as relatable as it is hilarious, and her love story with Greg is layered, emotionally satisfying, and of course, *magical.* Meltzer incorporates timely, relevant issues into her stories in a way that still feels light and balanced, and just as with her previous novels, the heavier topics (trauma, anti-Semitism) are handled with depth, insight, and care. Put this enchanting rom-com on your TBRs!
October 7, 2024
I have enjoyed Jean Meltzer’s books in the part but this was not my favorite. This one has the same magical setting as the others but I didn’t feel any of the magic between the main characters that is usually there. As usual, I learned so much about the Jewish faith and traditions but I wanted more of a connection between Faye and Greg, and wanted to feel more connected to the story on the whole. There is an important lesson on love and tolerance in this story which is important but it takes the forefront of the story and the romance is lost.
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